BBC show accused of promoting alcohol message

BBC1’s hit drama Doctor Foster has been accused of promoting an ‘irresponsible’ message about drinking.

Critics say the characters binge-drink and use alcohol, particularly wine, as a crutch to get over problems. Many use large glasses and in at least one scene the lead character swigs from a bottle.

Alcohol awareness organisations have complained that wine features prominently in a number of scenes, including tense confrontations, solitary evenings in and even conversations in the street.

In one controversial moment, lead character Gemma Foster, a GP played by Suranne Jones, is seen drinking with her 15-year-old son’s friend in his home

In one controversial moment, lead character Gemma Foster, a GP played by Suranne Jones, is seen drinking with her 15-year-old son’s friend in his home.

While Gemma is shown to be extremely troubled by her feud with ex-husband Simon (Bertie Carvel), her binge-drinking habits have raised concerns.

Helena Conibear, director of The Alcohol Education Trust, said: ‘Portraying alcohol as a way to cope with stress and pressure is worrying, as is the image of drinking on your own.

‘The glasses shown are often huge too and could be holding 250ml of wine, that’s a third of a bottle in one glass.’

While Gemma (right) is shown to be extremely troubled by her feud with ex-husband Simon (not pictured), her binge-drinking habits have raised concerns

In some scenes, characters are seen holding a bottle glasses which can fit 250ml of wine – a third of a bottle of wine

Dr Sarah Jarvis, medical adviser to Drinkaware, said: ‘I am very sad to see a prime-time drama effectively sending out the message that it’s not possible to enjoy a social situation without alcohol.’

Vanessa Hebditch, director of the British Liver Trust, said: ‘Drinking alone, frequently or using alcohol to relieve stress, as the character Gemma Foster appears to be doing, is dangerous and can lead to serious health problems including liver disease.’